Jia Huan left the Kirin Office and descended the stone steps, only to encounter a familiar old man at the corner.
Dressed in a Purple Python Robe, the hair at his temples stirring slightly, he was Xu Jingchun, one of the five Pacification Commissioners.
Six kirin patterns adorned his waist.
By rank, he stood second among the Pacification Commissioners.
"Lord Xu."
Jia Huan cupped his fists in greeting.
Pacification Commissioner Xu stepped aside to avoid receiving the salute and said solemnly:
"That form of address is inappropriate."
But Jia Huan insisted, saying with a smile:
"During that affair with Eunuch Dai, I would have lost my men had you not intervened, Lord Xu. And I also owe you for helping me out of trouble with the Directorate of Ceremonial."
"We're all colleagues." Pacification Commissioner Xu waved a hand, then looked at him.
"Are you going to seek an audience with His Majesty?"
Jia Huan nodded.
As a Pacification Commissioner, Xu surely knew about that official document.
Having only seven thousand Embroidered Uniform Guards under his command was utterly unacceptable!
Pacification Commissioner Xu fell silent for a moment, then stood by the railing and gazed into the distance, offering a kindly warning:
"Do you know precisely what Lord Jiang intends?"
Jia Huan smiled and replied frankly:
"Once I go to His Majesty, the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Central Court in the Imperial City will see it as me, Jia Huan, refusing to obey the Commanding Commissioner's deployment orders. The imperial seal has already been affixed; the nail has been driven into the board. Going over my superior's head to approach the emperor directly would seem rather arrogant."
Pacification Commissioner Xu felt genuine admiration.
This young colleague was truly formidable, exceptionally capable and remarkably perceptive.
"Since you understand that, why seek